Backstage Update: Andrade’s WWE Release—Wellness Policy Violation, Creative Fallout, and What’s Next

As we previously reported here at Wrestling.news, WWE officially parted ways with Andrade, ending his second stint with the company under controversial circumstances.

Why Andrade Was Released

Multiple outlets, including Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown and Wrestling Observer, have confirmed Andrade’s departure was the result of a disciplinary issue tied to WWE’s wellness policy.

According to reporter Jon Alba, Andrade had been suspended without pay following a violation in August. The exact nature of the violation remains unclear — WWE talent can be suspended not only for failing a test but also for failing to provide one. This marks Andrade’s second known wellness suspension, with his first dating back to 2020.

The fallout was swift. Andrade was escorted from a SmackDown taping in mid-August and kept off television for nearly a month. Sources note this incident derailed planned storylines involving his tag team with Rey Fenix, who had been gaining momentum alongside Andrade leading into their high-profile TLC Tag Team Championship match at SummerSlam 2025.

Andrade Speaks Out

In the wake of his release, Andrade kept his message short and simple. On social media, he posted:

“Thank you WWE!!!”

It’s a polite note that contrasts sharply with the reports of WWE growing frustrated after “weeks of trying to reach Andrade” with no success.

WWE’s Decision — Not Mutual

Unlike some departures tied to budget cuts, this release was described by insiders as “WWE’s call” rather than a mutual decision. Dave Meltzer reported Andrade’s exit stemmed directly from the disciplinary issue, not his personal life or past marriage to Charlotte Flair. Within WWE, there was a sense his time with the company was effectively finished weeks before the official announcement.

Andrade’s Wrestling Future

Andrade’s next move remains uncertain. Having previously left AEW in 2023 on what he hoped were good terms, speculation is already mounting that he could return to Tony Khan’s promotion — though reports suggest he was not always the easiest talent to work with during his first run. AAA in Mexico is also a possible landing spot, as well as other international promotions eager to add a world-class performer to their rosters.

What’s clear is that Andrade still has name value, but rebuilding trust with a major promotion may prove as important as anything he does inside the ring.

Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Andrade’s release is a cautionary tale for today’s generation of stars. He’s a gifted in-ring performer, but in modern WWE, professionalism matters as much as athleticism. The company had big creative plans for him and Rey Fenix, but one misstep — or in this case, one disciplinary issue — can change everything.

Fans will always remember Andrade’s NXT glory days and his standout matches against the likes of Johnny Gargano. But right now, his legacy feels stalled. Whether he heads back to AEW, makes a splash in AAA, or tries to reinvent himself elsewhere, Andrade needs to prove he can stay consistent both in and out of the ring. Otherwise, WWE may not be the only company hesitant to invest in him.

#WWENews